Before You Toss That Toilet Paper Roll, Make A Beautiful DIY Kaleidoscope With Your Kids

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Morgan is a writer on the branded content team who loves breakfast food almost as much as she loves dogs.

Every parent knows the pain of bored kids. No matter how old your children are, it is an eternal problem for parents to solve: How can I keep the kids occupied?

If you’re looking for an affordable and creative activity to do with your kids, then you’ll love this DIY kaleidoscope made with upcycled toilet paper rolls.

This cool craft fosters creativity and is as educational as it is entertaining! With so many fun colors and far-out illusions, both you and your kids will enjoy building (and playing) with it! Check out the materials and instructions below to get started.

If you think this is a great idea, don’t forget to SHARE this DIY project with other moms and dads looking for fun ways to keep the kids entertained.

Photos: Janine Ngai for LittleThings

Supplies

Instructions

Step #1: Create A Prism

Janine Ngai for LittleThings

Cut your mirror into three pieces, slightly smaller than the length of the toilet paper roll, about 1 1/2 inches each. Flip the mirrors upside down and tape them together, then fold them into a triangle and tape solid.

Step #2: Build Your Peephole

Janine Ngai for LittleThings

Lay the end of your toilet paper roll on your colored paper, and trace a circle around it. Draw a few notches on the circle and cut out your shape.

Use a hole puncher to create a peephole in the center of your circle. Place your paper atop one side of your toilet paper roll, and fold the notches down, then securely tape them onto the roll.

Step #3: Place Your Prism

Janine Ngai for LittleThings

Place your prism inside the toilet paper roll, making sure there is some room left for the beads to move around at the end of the roll.

Step #4: Cut The Plastic

Janine Ngai for LittleThings

Use your toilet paper roll to trace two circles on your plastic — we used an old take-out container, but any thin plastic will do!

Place one of the plastic circles inside the toilet paper roll so that it is covering the prism. You may need to cut this circle down a bit to allow it to fit inside your roll. Set the other plastic circle aside.

Step #5: Add Your Beads

Janine Ngai for LittleThings

Place your beads on top of the plastic circle, creating a color pattern and design of your choice. Once you are done adding your beads, cover the open end of the toilet paper roll with the second plastic circle and tape shut.

Step #6: Give Your Kaleidoscope Some Color

Janine Ngai for LittleThings

Measure the length of your tube, and mark it on your colored paper. Cut out a piece of paper long enough to wrap around your tube, and use it to decorate your kaleidoscope. Tape or glue it to secure the paper. Voilà!

Not only can you enjoy this craft from the comfort of your home, but you can buy all the affordable supplies on eBay and get them delivered right to your door, too!

Do you love this project? Make sure to SHARE it on Facebook so your friends can get in on the fun!